Earthquake waves-S and P waves

Front

What are P waves?

Back

P waves, or primary waves, are compression waves that travel through the Earth during an earthquake.

Front

What type of waves are S waves?

Back

S waves, or secondary waves, are shear waves that move the ground up and down or side to side.

Front

How do P waves move through the Earth?

Back

P waves compress and expand the material they travel through, moving in the same direction as the wave.

Front

How do S waves move through the Earth?

Back

S waves move material perpendicular to the direction of the wave, causing a side-to-side motion.

Front

What is the main difference between P waves and S waves?

Back

P waves can travel through solids, liquids, and gases, while S waves can only travel through solids.

Front

What are body waves?

Back

Body waves are seismic waves that travel through the interior of the Earth, including P waves and S waves.

Front

What are surface waves?

Back

Surface waves are seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface, causing the most damage during an earthquake.

Front

What is the speed comparison between P waves and S waves?

Back

P waves travel faster than S waves, making them the first waves detected by seismographs.

Front

What is another name for P waves?

Back

P waves are also known as primary waves or compression waves.

Front

What is another name for S waves?

Back

S waves are also known as secondary waves or shear waves.